Behringer-Synthesizers

Behringer have made the sound of legendary analogue synthesiers available to the masses, with their affordable clones sounding nigh-on indistinguishable from the original thanks to Behringer’s extensive R&D and their use of the correct components. Not only are their clones faithfully recreated, they’re also enhanced with fresh features that give them modern usability. There’s an undeniable inspiration that comes with using tweaking an analogue synth with plenty of knobs/sliders and now you can enjoy that experience without having to shell out thousands for a vintage model!

If you’re new to analogue synths and want to learn how to program them yourself, getting a knob-per-function monosynth like the Pro 1 or the K-2 is one of the best (and most affordable) ways you can as it helps you understand how an envelope or an LFO works. A lot of fun can be had by playing and experimenting with a synth and a Behringer is a fantastic way to start your journey down the rabbit-hole.

Let’s take a look at Behringer’s clones of legendary synths:

• Model D: Model D has the characteristic warmth and juicy filter that made the Minimoog such a classic. Made famous by Pink Floyd, Gary Numan and countless more.
• Pro 1: The Pro 1 is based on the Sequential Circuits Pro-One, a synth that’s hard to get a bad sound out of. Used by artists such as Tame Impala, Yazoo and Prince.
• K-2: The K-2 is based on Korg’s MS-20, a synth known for its flexible patch bay and aggressive sound. Famous users include Daft Punk, Arcade Fire and Aphex Twin.
• Wasp Deluxe: Based on the synth of the same name, which is still regarded for its quirky and unique timbre. Used by synth wizards such as 808 State and Vince Clarke.
• Cat: The Cat is based on the Octave Cat, known for being versatile and having flexible modulation options. Famous players include Chemical Brothers and Devo.
• TD-3: Based on the iconic TB-303 - a squelchy, rubbery synth that defined a genre. Used electronic legends such as Fatboy Slim, Massive Attack and The Prodigy.
• Crave: Behringer’s most affordable monosynth uses a VCO design inspired by the timeless Prophet 5 and has an assortment of fun sound shaping controls to experiment with.

All of the above come in a desktop-friendly module, so you can hook up your favourite MIDI keyboard, sequencer or DAW with the MIDI DIN or USB port. They can also be poly-chained up to 16 times, so you could create a 16-voice Model-D if you so choose!

Here’s the Behringer clones with keyboards:

• Poly D: Based on their Model D, the Poly D adds a fourth oscillator, a paraphonic option and effects.
• Odyssey: Behringer’s Odyssey has the groundbreaking sound of the original and a tonne of upgrades including three filter modes, a sequencer/arp and KlarkTeknik FX.
• MS-1: Inspired by the SH-101, the MS-1 looks and sounds the part while adding new capabilties such as FM and USB connectivity.
• VC340: A gorgeous analogue string machine/vocoder that defines the word “lush” - inspired by the landmark VP-330.

Check out their odes to classic drum machines:

• RD-8: Inspired by the highly influential TR-808, the RD-8 has the trademark analog punch and a host of modern features.
• RD-6: Create filthy floor-filling grooves with this TR-606 inspired machine. Bags of character and pairs beautifully with the TD-3.

Explore Behringer’s original designs:

• Neutron: A true analogue machine in a compact desktop form factor. The Neutron merges a classic synth sound with Eurorack-style capabilties.
• Deepmind 12/12D/6: A fully-featured powerhouse of a polysynth that can pull off warm vintage and crisp modern sounds with ease.